frustrated - 2 tanks, 1 sick fish in each :(

[sensimil]

Ive been trying to research about my sickies and am finding various sicknesses that it could possibly be, or not. So I reach to you community, for help. Thanks in advance if you can help out!

In a 5 gallon freshwater I have a Bloodfin tetra that swims upright and sort of "jumps" around the tank in a pretty specific circle around the tank. 2 nights ago we saw it eat, last night it did not. Hes been swimming like this for about 4 days, progressivly getting worse it seems.
we did a rock/water change about a 2 weeks prior to this. there are 2 glo lites, and 2 swords in there with him. they are all fine. the ph is proper and the temp is as well.
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The other tank, is a 20g tropical. Our chinese algea eater is "bent" We also did a rock/water change in this tank and as was well, until he FREAKED and since has been looking worse. On fishpalace.com (diseases) TB looks like the culprit, due to the curve in its spine. tho, im still not certain. the temp is approx 78, the ph good. we have a few giant and zebra danios, clown loach, 2 corys and 3 silver dollars all who are doing just fine.

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both tanks have been treated with stress zyme-into 2 weeks now.
if anyone has any thoughts as to what our fish are experiencing id appreciate any feedback.
thanks again
~sensi

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Do you have a filter running in them? What are the ammonia and nitrIte levels? Yes tb sounds likely for the algea eater sadly.
But knowing your ammonia and NitrIte levels is very important right now as they may hold a clue to the problems.
Hugs,
P.

 

[WILDER]

That 5 gal is way to small for shaoling fish they need room to shoal, what are water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate and ph,small tanks are hard to maintain in stable water quality and only doing a water change and vac fornightly isn't accepable,has the fish with the bent spine also lost weight.


Not the writer of this information.


Fish Tuberculosis- The bacteria Mycobacterium is responsible for this problem. This infection can infect humans, so take precautions when siphoning water from the tank. (do not swallow it) Wash your hands very well when finished. Symptoms: Affected fish may show loss of appetite, become lazy or listless, and lose color. When the disease has progressed the fish may become emaciated and develop bulbous eyes and skin defects. They may also suffer a deformed spine. A lot of the time no outward signs will be seen before several fish die suddenly. Treatment: In the early stages a human anti-TB drug could be used (seek a veterinarian for this). However, once the disease has advanced the medication does not seem to help. Always remove the sick and dying fish. Your other fish will eat on the dead or dying. By removing them you keep from spreading the disease in the aquarium.

 

[sensimil]

thanks for the feedback.
We decided we need to get the AE out of the tank and send him back to mother nature. at this time its what need to be done. very sad. had good times with him.
we are in need of a test kit to find those numbers. unfortunately we had to lose one in the meanwhile. the bloodfin seems to be alright except for his odd nature in swimming. iwill continue to seek information until we find what is up with him.
about the 5g and bloodfins. Ive had 3 bloodfins with 2 neons for over a year in a 5g tank. never had a problem with them. im not as so sure as to this "shoal" or "shaoling" you speak of. Im assuming you mean the water is too shallow? for them. either way, no I wouldnt acquire more bloodfins for a 5g tank, becoming more aware that these lil ins would appreciate the space.

 

[tttnjfttt]

In your 5 gal tank, I would go ahead and do anohter water change, as bad water quality is often the cause of poor water quality. You can get a good master test kit from Big Als for around $13, ($18 with shipping). You can also print out the link i gave you and try to convince a LPS/LFS to match their price. Regardless, when you buy one, make sure it is a liquid based test kit, not the dip stick ones.

The problem wiht the neons in that small of a tank is more how short the tank is. Tetras are shoaling (aka schooling) fish who need alot of swimming room. The minimum recomended tank size for these fish is a 10 gal. You can pick an entire kit up at walmart (tank, hood, filter, and heater) for around $30.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

You have swords in the tank as in swordtails? A 5gal tank is too small and unsuitable for any of your fish and they won't be happy in it, its like living in a cuboard.

 

[sensimil]

You have swords in the tank as in swordtails?

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lol guppies.
the aquarium place had them named "swords" they are nothing more than lil guppies.
the bloodfin didnt make it. ive learned a valuable lesson here of course, but would rather have been learning it now in our 5g and 20g than with much more expensive fish in a higher g tank.
all is well, the others are very well.

tttnjfttt thank you for the price hookup on the test kit. its exactly what im in the market for. we went tonight to the store to seek prices. it was $10+ than that quote. ill check that site out for sure~

 

[tttnjfttt]

tttnjfttt thank you for the price hookup on the test kit. its exactly what im in the market for. we went tonight to the store to seek prices. it was $10+ than that quote. ill check that site out for sure~

Sometimes you can convince chain LPS to match prices.